A NEW PERSPECTIVE: Dear Santa, who's been naughty and nice?

RUSSELL TUFF

10:07 AM, Dec 18, 2008

I believe this is the 44th year that a Tuff has written you a Christmas letter in a newspaper somewhere across this great country. It started in 1965, when my dad bought his first paper in Blackduck, Minnesota. My brother took over the tradition in the early 1990s and passed the torch to me 16 years ago.

It seems to me, Santa, that the tough economic times have brought out the best in some folks during the holiday season. Even those having to do with less are giving generously to those with next to nothing. You see it in the schools, offices, agencies, places of worship, civic and fraternal groups across the country.

We had a close call on that good-will-toward-men wish when FGCU President Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw shut down holiday decorating on campus, but right minds prevailed and the halls were decked as they should be. Please bring the good doctor and all citizens a reminder that we are supposed to be able to celebrate our religions without persecution. Tolerance for the traditions of others does not take away from the joy of celebrating one's own traditions.

During the election season, our two presidential candidates ran relatively clean campaigns (Yes, there were some naughty moments, but it was mostly nice). Bring our new President Obama a new pit bull puppy to take a bite out of wasteful spending in the years ahead. For Senator John McCain, a new play book, in case he ever decides to run again.

With the ever falling economy, we're seeing a rebirth in the way many companies do business. Some are making those changes by choice, others are having it forced upon them. Regardless, give our shop owners some innovative thinking and a little bit of fat to tide them through these lean times.

The tight money and falling markets have also revealed some very naughty individuals, from politicians to financial wizards. It is a good time to clean house. Give those tasked with oversight of these agencies a sturdy broom and the wisdom and will to use it.

If you don't count Congress, most government agencies have also been forced to tighten their free spending ways as a result of the difficult financial times. Give our local, state and national governments a pruning saw to cut out the flimsy, dying limbs to make way for new branches that can be stronger without having to carry the dead weight.

For those serving overseas, fill their stockings with the warm wishes of fellow Americans who value their efforts to defend our rights and freedoms at great sacrifice to themselves. Give their families as many opportunities as possible to keep in touch with them through phone, video and Internet technology.

Last, but not least, use your magic dust to open the eyes of our government officials with the knowledge that another form of oppression is excessive or increased taxation. Increasing taxes in this economic climate would really harm our recovery.

That's it for this year, Santa.

Your Pal,

Russell Tuff

P.S.– I'll leave you those chewy sugar cookies that you love and not the cardboard tasting ones my wife makes me eat. After the holidays, we can start working out in January.